Infl uence of coping on academic stress and happiness among students

Abstract

Objective The purpose of this research was to study the infl uence of coping as a multimediating variable for the relationship of academic stress and happiness among mathayom 6th students.

Materials and Methods Participants consisted of 296 students studying in senior high schools who were conveniently selected. Instruments applied included the Academic Stress Scale, Coping Scale and Happiness Scale. Data were analyzed with multiple regressions and tested for a multi-mediating role by using the Sobel method.

Results Academic stress and coping style (i.e., problem-focused, seeking social support and avoidance) together could predict 54 percent of the total variance of happiness. The signifi cant predictors
of happiness were academic stress problem - focused coping, avoidance coping, and seeking social support coping. In addition, problem - focused coping and avoidance coping were partial multi-mediators of relationship between stress and happiness. Academic stress had a direct effect on happiness and an indirect effect via problem - focused coping and avoidance coping.

Conclusion Academic stress of the students affected their happiness. Students with high academic stress and problem - focused coping show higher happiness, whereas those with high academic stress and avoidance coping indicated lower level of happiness.